The best anti-ageing secrets dermatologists won’t tell you for free

Collagen is a protein that’s a building block for our hair, skin and nails. “Supplemental collagen is fragmented pieces of amino acids and peptides that connect in the bloodstream with enzymes that trigger the production of collagen,” explains Dr Engelman. “In a collagen-deficient system, this will support and increase collagen production.” It’s important, however, that you choose the right type of collagen, since 16 different strains exist. “For oral supplements, hydrolysed collagen is easiest to digest, as it is broken down into the smallest forms of peptides and amino acids,” she says. “I like pills and powders because they are easy to incorporate no matter what your lifestyle.”

The latest and greatest products on the market might be eye-catching, but their popularity doesn’t mean that they’re effective. “Just because something is ‘hot’ right now in the beauty industry, does not mean that you should run out to purchase it,” says Dr Bowe. “I always encourage my patients to look for scientific studies and statistics which prove that products deliver the results they promise.”

No matter how much time, energy and money you spend on your skincare regimen, if you’re not supplementing it with a healthy diet, you’re wasting your efforts, according to experts. “Your skin is a reflection of your overall health and wellness and your diet absolutely impacts the appearance and health of your skin,” says Dr Bowe. “For example, sugar in any form causes multiple changes in our body, from our cellular membranes and our arteries to our hormones, immune systems, gut, and even microbiome – the microbes in our intestines that affect our biology all the way out to our skin.”

Check out these foods for younger skin.

There are other causes of dark circles that are unrelated to your skin, such as seasonal allergies or lack of sleep. Dermatologist, Dr Joel Schlessinger recommends trying Clarityne or Zyrtec, drinking more water, or heading to bed an hour earlier to clock in more sleep. If your dark circles and puffiness aren’t improved by any of those suggestions, then he says a well-formulated and hydrating eye cream could help.

Believe it or not, the way you sleep does have an effect on the smoothness of your skin. “Sleeping on your side presses your cheek into the pillow and causes the skin on your chest to be scrunched, creating new or reinforcing existing wrinkles,” warns Dr Schlessinger. “Train yourself to sleep on your back as much as you can – it will keep skin as flat and smooth as possible.”

Find out what your sleep position reveals about your personality.

Some fine lines and wrinkles are caused by repetitive movements, so starting these treatments early, even in your late 20s and early 30s, may potentially help prevent them or slow their progression, according to cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Sejal Shah. “People are often afraid of injectables because they don’t want to look ‘frozen’ or overdone, but many neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau) can look very natural when appropriately placed.” Just be sure to seek treatment from trained individuals, such as a board-certified dermatologist.

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Source: RD.com